Mystery Remington Keene

[Inusuit]

The museum where I volunteer as a firearms historian has a unique Remington Keene carbine that was used by guards on the Deadwood Stage, more properly, the Cheyenne and Black Hills Stage and Express Line The line was in operation from 1876 to 1887.

I am unable to make an accurate identification of the firearm. I believe that the Remington Keene was produced in six variants: Hunter (sporting rifle), Musket, Carbine, Navy, Army and Indian Carbine or Frontier Model.

Our carbine most closely resembles the Frontier/Indian Carbine. Flayderman's Guide to Antique American Firearms, 9th Edition gives this description of that model: "Made for the U.S. Department of the Interior for arming Indian Police 1880-1881. 24" barrel with carbine style barrel band at muzzle; sling swivels; carbine buttplate without flanged top and marked U.S.I.D. with serial number on left side of frame and also government inspectors' marks on frame and stock.

Our firearm has the same stock configuration as the Indian Carbine, has the two sling swivels, and barrel band at the muzzle. However the carbine buttplate does have a flanged top. It does not have the U.S.I.D. mark, serial number, or inspector's cartouche/marks. The barrel length is 20 inches, not 24. Flayderman does not list a 20 inch barrel on any variant. The barrel and magazine tube do not appear to be shortened. The E. REMINGTON & SONS, ILION, N.Y stamp on the rear top of the action has been partially ground off. The two line patent dates remain. The only other mark is .45 and 70 on the left rear of the action.

Any thoughts about this firearm will be appreciated.

[2152hq]

One of the Carbine variations was a 20" bbl w/ sling swivels, carbine butt plate w/ top tang to the plate, and front bbl band.
They made very few, but they are out there.
The more common Carbine is a 24" bbl.and can be found quite easily on auctions and internet sales.
But there are a few of the 20" carbines as well.

Some Keene rifles & Carbines were never ser#'d. Most were.
Remington did the same with the Remington Lee bolt action rifles for some reason.

[boykinlp]

Inusuit, can you show us some pictures, so us unknowledgeable folks can see what you are describing?
Larry

[Inusuit]

Unfortunately I seem unable to either insert pictures into a post or create an album. Uploads fail when I try to follow directions.
Operator error on my part. If someone can tell me how to do this, I would be grateful.

I believe I can attach photos to an email if someone wants to assist in that manner.

[hivel37]

One of our club members, now deceased, had a Remington Keene at the
range a few years back. "You may never see another one of these, let alone shoot one." So he had me hunker behind the thing and light off a couple. He was right. I've not seen another. Great guy.